Places to Visit

Kinvara Guesthouse is ideally positioned the picturesque village of Kinvara, Galway. Kinvara has numerous attractions including Dunguarie Castle, is located just 30 minutes outside Galway and gives Kinvara a huge advantage and great access to many places to visit in & near Kinvara.
More Information, Directions & Maps can be provided on request whilst staying with Kinvara Guesthouse.

Dunguaire Castle

Dunguarie Castle was built in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan on the picturesque shores of Galway Bay. The Castle takes it name from the nearby ancient fort of Guaire, King of Connaught who died is 662 AD. This restored 16th century tower house sits on a rocky outcrop on the shores of Galway Bay, 300 yards outside the village of Kinvara.

At night the castle is the venue for the Dunguaire Castle Banquet.. Dunguaire Castle Banquet is held from Mid April - Mid October at 5.30pm & 8.45pm. (Reservations are necessary for the Castle Banquet). From May to September from 9.30am - 5pm Dunguaire Castle is open daily for visitors to explore.

Burren Nature Sanctuary

Explore the nature walks through shattered limestone pavement and along the ancient boreen to the disappearing lake. Meet the farm animals at our Pet farm.

Discover the flora and fauna of this outstanding area of natural beauty.

Enjoy the indoor and outdoor nature themed adventure play areas and the artisan cafe with locally produced food and organic vegetables from the polytunnel.

Connect with nature and each other in peaceful, inspiring surroundings. Or plan your trip around the Burren with a information about places to stop with a home baked
picnic. www.bns.ie

Burren Perfumery

Visitors are always welcome to the Perfumery. Watch our free audiovisual presentation, then enjoy wandering through the garden, chatting with our staff in their workshops or browsing in the shop.

The Burren National Park is located in the southeastern corner of the Burren and is approximately 1500 hectares in size. The Park land was bought by the Government for nature conservation and public access.

It contains examples of all the major habitats within the Burren: Limestone Pavement, Calcareous grassland, Hazel scrub, Ash/hazel woodland, Turloughs, Lakes, Petrifying springs, cliffs and Fen

Not far from Gort is the site of an old monastic settlement, Kilmacduagh. The Diocese of Kilmacduagh, whose name means "church of Duagh's son". The 7th century saint, Saint Colman, son of Duagh, established a monastery on land given him by his cousin King Guaire.

The most conspicuous feature of the well-preserved round tower 33m high, with a narrow door 7m from the ground is the lean, almost 50cm from the perpendicular, which it shares with a more famous counterpart at Pisa. The extensive remains include a cathedral, church of St John the Baptist, - Glabe House - , O' Hynes Church and St Mary's Church.

Coole Park

Coole Park was once the home of Lady Augusta Gregory, dramatist, folklorist and co-founder of the Abbey Theatre with Edward Martyn of Tullira Castle and Nobel prize-winning poet William Butler Yeats. Coole Park, in the early 20th century, was the centre of the Irish Literary Revival. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, John Millington Synge and Sean O' Casey all came to experience its magic. They and many others carved their initials on the Autograph Tree, an old beech still standing today. www.coolepark.ie

Ailwee Caves

Ailwee Cave is the only commercially run Cave in The Burren and its award winning building blends perfectly with the cliff behind.The cave was discovered in 1944 by a local herdsman called Jack McGann when his dog followed a rabbit down a hole in the side of the mountain.The remains of bears have been found there and the "beds" they hibernated on are still to be seen. They are a source of constant wonder for children. www.aillweecave.ie

Poulnabrone

This dramatic monument, on the karstic limestone pavement of the Burren, is one of the most famous Irish dolmens, and an iconic image of the Burren landscape.

On the west coast of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most outstanding coastal features of Ireland and our biggest Tourist Attraction. The Cliffs of Moher stretch for 8km & rise up to 214 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic Edge is the exciting interpretive centre at the Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience.

Housed at the centre of the underground building a huge domed cave contains images, exhibits, displays & experiences that will delight young and old alike.A visit to these cliffs should not be missed. www.cliffsofmoher.ie

The Aran Islands

Located in the heart of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands offer visitors a glimpse into a way of life that has long since disappeared from most of the county. The Islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breath-taking scenery, ecclesiastical ruins from early Christian times, medieval castles, cliffs, prehistoric stone forts (including the famous Dún Aonghasa ring fort), sandy beaches, clean air, unique flora and fauna and a rich folklore that the islanders are proud to recount. www.aranislands.ie The islands can be reached by ferry from Doolin (www.doolinferries.com) or Rossaveal(www.aranislandferries.com).

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden welcomes visitors to discover the magic, beauty and peacefulness of Kylemore Abbey. Visit Kylemore Abbey and discover what makes Kylemore the No. 1 must-see attraction in Connemara and the West of Ireland.

Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art which capure the mood of those items. Enjoy the sights, sounds tastes, scents of Bunratty Folk Park as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village street complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course McMamara's pub! See more at www.shannonheritage.com